TheRedQueen wrote:I do see what you're saying, Michelle...I really do. My problem with this type of thing, is that working with rescues and breed dogs...I just see so many horrendous temperaments and aggression issues (DA and HA)...and I just don't see "family pets" much anymore. My own personal theory is that the lack of easy-going dogs at shelters and at breeders is why people are turning to these lazy, idiotic doodles so much nowadays...because doodle breeders breed for temperament above all else (with no regard for health, structure, etc).
I don't think breeding for temperament only is the way to go either, but honestly...so many people want easy-going dogs that can take what life throws at them...that I think breeders (and rescues) need to be aware of what they're doing. We live closer together, we live in high-stress environments, and we subject our dogs to sooooo many things nowadays. Gone are the days where dogs could get away with being dogs...bites are taken seriously now, instead of "what were you doing to annoy the dog?" Dogs don't get to run around and be dogs as much anymore...even dog parks are crowded and stressful now. We subject our dogs to a lot of crap...and I think that all breeders, of EVERY breed need to keep that in mind.
'These' dogs aren't the result of good breeding they are the result of back yard/poor breeders that didn't care about the breed, only the dollar sign. These are teh dogs that end up in the papers, hand, isn't and never was part of the breed, how did it get there? BAD breeding, poor choosing, no quality. I deal with rescues everyday, they'd rather have a HA dog that a DA dog, b/c they can give it excuses like it was abused or something (when we all know it wasn't socialized properly.) Probably not abused at all.
Sigh, what if Da is linked to a better human bond? We could lose that? What if DA is linked to drive? I want don't fluffy jrts! I want rat chasers, give them a new job to do! Its our job to give them new jobs, not change them.
And for the doodle people! We have a big time breeder here, where mutts are sold for 2000 dollars! And theyre beginning to be returned for bad temperaments and poor health. they won't admit to it until it happens more often, but i"m seeing a link to neurotic mothers and aggressive puppies This breeder wants a look, not a temperament. A distinct size, not an activity or job. Therefore she gets unpredictably acting puppies. Shes 4 generations in and now finding Addisons and thyroid in a high percentage. Breeding whoops! Its not like she went to school for genetics or anything, she just found a niche of people that wanted 25 lb labradoodles for any price. And I might add, her program did not start from any good quality poodles or labs, those breeders wouldn't associate with her, she found pet store pups as her foundation.